Water Corporation Is Ready For Bushfire Season And Asks The Same Of Residents

Victor P Taffa

An independent water supply is vital when planning to stay and defend during a bushfire

Water Corporation prepares for the bushfire season with new incident response van and purpose-built facility

Water Minister Dave Kelly has reminded residents in bushfire prone areas to consider their water supply in preparation for the bushfire season.

“I urge people in bushfire prone areas not to be complacent. If you are planning to stay and defend your property during a bushfire then makes sure you have an independent water supply and pumping capability.” Minister for Water Dave Kelly said.

While the Water Corporation is ready for the coming bushfire season and will do everything to maintain scheme water supplies for as long as possible during a bushfire, it cannot be guaranteed.

During a bushfire, the infrastructure that delivers scheme water to properties can be damaged and if there is a power failure this will also result in a total loss of water. High demand during a bushfire can also lead to a drop in water pressure and water supply tanks can quickly empty.

People with groundwater bores and access to surface water in bushfire prone areas are reminded they can take and store water to support their bushfire plans, and if they ensure it is used for emergency fire situations it will not count as part of their annual entitlement.

“Large parts of the Jandakot electorate are bushfire prone, with those living on rural properties and on the rural-urban interface, where suburbia meets bushland, at particular risk.” Jandakot MLA Yaz Mubarakai said.

“Our career and volunteer bushfire brigades do an exemplary job in protecting the community when a fire occurs but it is incredibly important for people to prepare their homes, including securing an independent water supply where possible, planning what they would do in an emergency, understanding the Fire Danger Ratings and Bushfire Warning Systems and monitoring local conditions.”

Minister Kelly today discussed the importance of bushfire preparedness during an inspection of the Water Corporation’s new purpose-built incident response facility in Canning Vale.

“It is a simple message but an important one does not rely on scheme water to be available during a bushfire.”

For the first time, the Water Corporation also has a dedicated incident support van that can be deployed at short notice to bushfires and other incidents to support emergency services and the community.